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Have you been the victim of an accident at a supermarket? Have you been offered a couple hundred pounds for compensation? Or, did they offer you a bunch of flowers and some vouchers to exchange for items in their own store?

This practice is more common than you think. And a lot of the victims are older people of pension age. They are on their pension and usually have no resources to instruct solicitors. Or if they do they are worried that this will deplete their life savings. So they settle for what the insurance company offer to them which in a number of cases amounts to an apology, a bunch of flowers and some vouchers.

These are in most cases loyal customers at the store who have spent thousands of pounds over the years which contributed to the huge profits recorded by some supermarkets. If you are reading this article and you recognize this scenario as happening to you or a relative then you should take steps to prevent this type of victimization.

For a start you are entitled to proper and adequate compensation from the supermarket for your injuries. If they wish to give you roses and apologize then this should be in addition to adequate compensation in the first place.

You are probably being given the run-around following your accident. Make sure full details of the accident are recorded in the 'Accident Book'. Obtain the names and addresses of any other customer to your accident.Write a formal letter of claim to the Manager at the supermarket and keep copies of all your correspondence.

Visit your GP and report your injury so that there are medical records of the nature and extent of your injuries. Take photographs of any bruises which usually show up a few days after the accident. If you receive physiotherapy treatment keep receipts for each session of treatment to reclaim these expenses.

If you visit the hospital keep receipts of travel expenses. As for the amount of compensation to expect for your injuries that will depend on the nature and extent of the injuries you sustained. The level of compensation will increase where there are any fractures. Usually these take some time to heal and sometimes the injury can be very serious such as a hip fracture or fracture of the coccyx. The latter injury can be very painful and occurs in slipping accidents where you fall on your bottom.

Your claim could arise from an accident in the supermarket car park. You will be able to establish liability if there is a tripping hazard such as potholes and if you can establish that there has been a failure to maintain the car park.

However, most accidents will involve slipping on wet floors within the supermarket itself. This usually results from spillages such as water or liquids on the floor. Again, the supermarket should be able to show they have a system of cleaning and maintenance to avoid liability.

Your claim for personal injury compensation should be handled by the supermarket's public liability insurers. You are entitled to obtain details of their insurer to make your claim. Don't settle for flowers and vouchers for your injuries from the supermarket.

If you need more information on how to set-up and progress your personal injury claim you are recommended to take a look at my book 'The Personal Injury Claims Guide for DIY Claimants' at www.personalinjuryclaimsguide.com